Wuse Market shut as clash assumes ethnic dimension

An attempt by #ResumeorResign protesters to take their message to Wuse Market in Abuja ended with an inter-tribal clash. The movement, led by Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, were attacked at the market by supporters of President Buhari. The attack, and a resulting retaliation, forced the police to close the market.

Traders were made to close their stalls and leave the market by the police who proceeded to seal the entrance to the market. The confusion continued outside the market as people were seen throwing stones at one another.

A witness said that Charly Boy, an ethnic Igbo, went to the market, and started speaking against President Buhari, a northerner. Some Northerners attacked him, and following his rescue by the police, began to attack other Igbos in the vicinity, which led to a retaliation.

On his part, the co-convener of the #ResumeorResign movement, Deji Adeyanju, who spoke to Channels Television, said the attack on Charly Boy was unprovoked, and claimed that the attackers were paid by the government. He specifically mentioned the leader of the attackers by name (Musa). He however said the group will remain law abiding in the face of provocation.